# Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/w81ewf-26-soi-0003-willow-creek-reservoir-water-quality-research-and-evaluation/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362357

> Engineer Research and Development Center offered grants of up to $100,000 to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on July 9, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | W81EWF-26-SOI-0003 |
| Agency | Engineer Research and Development Center |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | July 9, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $100,000 |
| Award floor | not stated |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 12.630 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU).

## What the grant funds

A. Background The overall goal of this project is to improve water quality conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir for the benefit of the community of Heppner, Oregon, and surrounding area. The reservoir is characterized by several water quality concerns, including dense cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) blooms, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high nutrient concentrations. Cyanobacteria blooms are known to produce toxins, thereby threatening the aquatic ecosystem and potentially exposing humans and animals to risk of death or chronic illness such as neurodegeneration and liver damage. Each summer, Willow Creek Reservoir post’s health advisories warning users of the potential hazards associated with recreational activities on the lake. Furthermore, fish kills, foul odors and other nuisances are common in Willow Creek Reservoir affecting the community’s ambiance, limiting tourism and recreation on the lake. This analysis draws upon prior research, readily available data, and new research and data to develop and implement an evaluation program for the restoration of Willow Creek Reservoir and its upper basin. Research results will provide public benefit through enhanced water quality in Willow Creek Reservoir producing public recreation opportunities and natural resource benefits. B. Program Description/Objective The primary objective is to advance the scientific understanding of reservoir ecology through the following research pillars: 1. Empirical Data Acquisition and Limnological Analysis: To maintain the integrity of high-resolution, longitudinal datasets, the research involves systematic environmental monitoring and experimental observation. This includes the monthly collection of water samples and the recording of in-situ physicochemical measurements to analyze long-term nutrient cycling patterns and ecosystem shifts. Rather than routine maintenance, site visits are designed to manage the reservoir aeration unit as a controlled experimental variable. This allows researchers to study the mechanical suppression of thermal stratification and quantify its subsequent impact on internal loading and overall water quality. 2. Hydrodynamic Modeling and Predictive Analysis: The project will develop a comprehensive whole-lake hydrodynamic model. This model is a specialized research tool designed for the University to synthesize complex environmental data, simulate various "what-if" scenarios, and forecast the reservoir’s future water quality trajectory.

## Questions people ask

### Is W81EWF-26-SOI-0003 still open?

No. It closed on July 9, 2026.

### Who can apply for Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies?

Engineer Research and Development Center accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies?

Closed July 9, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $100,000 each.

### Who has won Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Battelle Memorial Institute, Msi Stem Research & Development Consortium, University of California San Diego. The program made 1,101 awards worth $1.3 billion in that time.